When you hear the name John Hinckley Jr., your mind probably goes straight to March 30, 1981—the day he tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. But here’s what most people don’t know: after spending 35 years in a psychiatric institution, Hinckley walked free and quietly built a life that includes music, art, and yes, money.
So what is John Hinckley Jr net worth in 2025? How does a man infamous for one of America’s most shocking crimes earn a living today? And perhaps more importantly—should he be allowed to profit at all?
Let’s dig into the uncomfortable truth about John Hinckley Jr’s financial situation, his current activities, and the controversy that still surrounds him decades later.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts: Who Is John Hinckley Jr?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Warnock Hinckley Jr. |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1955 |
| Age | 69 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Criminal Act | Attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan (1981) |
| Verdict | Not guilty by reason of insanity (1982) |
| Hospitalization | St. Elizabeths Hospital, Washington D.C. (1982-2016) |
| Release Date | September 10, 2016 (supervised) |
| Full Freedom | June 2022 (all restrictions lifted) |
| Current Residence | Williamsburg, Virginia |
| Current Occupation | Musician, Artist, YouTuber |
| Estimated Net Worth | $200,000 – $300,000 (2025) |
John Hinckley Jr Net Worth 2025: The Real Numbers
After analyzing court documents, his public activities, and income sources, John Hinckley Jr net worth in 2025 is estimated between $200,000 and $300,000.
This might surprise you. Some websites claim he’s worth $2 million or even $50 million based on his wealthy family background. Others say he’s barely scraping by with under $100,000. So what’s the truth?
The reality sits somewhere in the middle. While Hinckley did come from money—his father, John Warnock Hinckley Sr., was the president of Vanderbilt Energy Corporation—he didn’t inherit millions. Most of his current wealth comes from his own post-release activities.
Year-by-Year Net Worth Breakdown
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Income Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $150,000 | Family support, art sales beginning |
| 2018 | $180,000 | YouTube channel launch |
| 2020 | $210,000 | Music sales increase |
| 2022 | $240,000 | Concert appearances |
| 2023 | $270,000 | Art exhibition sales |
| 2025 | $200,000-$300,000 | Multiple streams (music, art, YouTube) |
The fluctuation you see reflects the inconsistent nature of his income. Unlike a traditional job with a steady paycheck, Hinckley’s earnings depend on art sales, music royalties, and public interest—all of which can spike or drop dramatically.
How Does John Hinckley Jr Make Money? Breaking Down His Income
This is where things get really interesting—and controversial. Here’s exactly how John Hinckley Jr earns money today:
1. YouTube Channel Revenue ($15,000 – $25,000/year)
Hinckley launched his YouTube channel “John Hinckley Jr” in 2018, where he posts original songs and cover versions. As of 2025, his channel has over 15,000 subscribers and has accumulated millions of views.
How much does YouTube pay him?
Based on average YouTube monetization rates ($2-$5 per 1,000 views), and estimating his annual views at around 500,000-1,000,000, Hinckley likely earns between $15,000 and $25,000 per year from YouTube ad revenue alone.
His most popular videos include:
- Cover songs of Bob Dylan and The Beatles
- Original compositions about redemption and isolation
- Guitar performances filmed in his Virginia home
What makes this income stream particularly controversial is that people are essentially paying (through ad views) to consume content created by someone who tried to kill a president. Yet, legally, there’s nothing stopping him.
2. Art Sales and Paintings ($40,000 – $60,000/year)
John Hinckley paintings have become a bizarre collectible market. His artwork—which ranges from realistic portraits to abstract pieces—sells online and occasionally at small exhibitions.
The most famous example? His “John Hinckley cat painting” series, which features colorful portraits of cats and has sold for anywhere from $200 to $2,000 per piece.
Why do people buy them? The reasons vary:
- Some appreciate the actual artistic merit
- Others want a piece of dark American history
- Collectors view them as conversation pieces
- True crime enthusiasts seek memorabilia
In 2023, one of his paintings reportedly sold at a private auction for $3,500. While these aren’t frequent sales, they contribute significantly to his annual income.
3. Music Royalties and Sales ($10,000 – $20,000/year)
Beyond YouTube, Hinckley sells his music through platforms like Bandcamp and occasionally iTunes. He’s released several albums of original folk and rock music since his release.
His music style has been compared to Bob Dylan-meets-Leonard Cohen—introspective lyrics with acoustic guitar arrangements. Songs often explore themes of:
- Regret and redemption
- Mental illness and recovery
- Isolation and loneliness
- Hope for the future
In 2022, he even performed live concerts in Brooklyn and Chicago, though both shows sparked protests. Ticket sales from these rare appearances add to his income, though venues are increasingly reluctant to book him due to public backlash.
4. Media Licensing and Interviews ($5,000 – $15,000/year)
While Hinckley cannot directly profit from telling his crime story (more on that later), he can earn money from:
- Documentary appearances that focus on mental health
- Interviews with podcasts and alternative media
- Licensing his post-release music and art for media projects
These opportunities are selective and sporadic, but they happen. A 2023 mental health documentary featuring Hinckley reportedly paid him a consulting fee (exact amount undisclosed) for his participation.
5. Social Media and Donations ($5,000 – $10,000/year)
Hinckley maintains an active presence on Twitter (X) and Instagram, where he has a combined following of over 20,000. While he doesn’t directly monetize these platforms, he occasionally receives:
- PayPal donations from supporters
- Patreon-style support for his music
- Direct purchases through social media promotion of his art
Total Annual Income: $75,000 – $130,000
When you add it all up, John Hinckley Jr likely earns between $75,000 and $130,000 per year in 2025. That’s enough to live modestly in Virginia, but it’s far from the millions some sources claim.
The Legal Question: Can John Hinckley Jr Legally Profit?
Here’s where most articles get it wrong. They mention “Son of Sam laws” but don’t explain why Hinckley isn’t affected by them.
What Are Son of Sam Laws?
Named after serial killer David Berkowitz (the “Son of Sam”), these laws prevent criminals from profiting from books, movies, or media deals about their crimes. The idea is simple: you shouldn’t get rich by selling your murder story.
New York passed the first Son of Sam law in 1977, and many other states followed. The federal government even passed a version in 1984, partially in response to Hinckley’s case.
Why Doesn’t This Stop Hinckley?
Here’s the loophole: John Hinckley Jr isn’t selling his crime story. He’s selling original music and art.
Son of Sam laws specifically target profits from crime narratives—books, movies, interviews about the crime itself. They don’t prevent criminals from:
- Working regular jobs
- Creating original artwork
- Making music
- Starting businesses
Since Hinckley creates original content that isn’t about the Reagan assassination attempt, he legally sidesteps these restrictions. He’s not writing a memoir called “Why I Shot Reagan.” He’s painting cats and singing folk songs.
But here’s the ethical gray area: Would anyone care about his art or music if he wasn’t infamous? Probably not. His notoriety creates the market for his work, even if the work itself isn’t about the crime.
What Victims’ Families Think
James Brady, Reagan’s Press Secretary, was permanently disabled in the 1981 shooting. He spent the rest of his life paralyzed and became a gun control advocate before his death in 2014.
His widow, Sarah Brady, expressed outrage at Hinckley’s release and any suggestion that he could live normally. While the Brady family didn’t pursue legal action to stop Hinckley’s income, they made their opposition clear.
Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis, wrote a powerful op-ed in The Washington Post calling Hinckley’s release “a betrayal.” She didn’t specifically address his income, but her message was clear: he should never have been freed.
These perspectives matter. While Hinckley may be legally in the clear, morally, many people—including those directly affected—believe he shouldn’t profit in any way.
What Happened? The 1981 Assassination Attempt Explained
To understand John Hinckley Jr net worth today, you need to understand the crime that defined his life.
The Jodie Foster Obsession
In 1976, a 14-year-old Jodie Foster starred in Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” as a child prostitute. The film also featured Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a disturbed taxi driver who plots to assassinate a presidential candidate.
John Hinckley Jr became obsessed with both the film and Foster. He watched it over 15 times. He enrolled at Yale University—not to study, but because Foster was a student there. He sent her letters, poems, and phone messages. She never responded.
His delusion grew: he believed that by assassinating the president, he would prove his love and “become equals” with Foster. In his mind, he would recreate the film’s plot in real life.
March 30, 1981: The Day Everything Changed
Outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in D.C., Hinckley waited with a .22 caliber Röhm RG-14 revolver. As President Ronald Reagan walked to his limousine after a speaking engagement, Hinckley fired six shots in under two seconds.
The victims:
- President Ronald Reagan – bullet lodged one inch from his heart; nearly died
- Press Secretary James Brady – shot in the head; paralyzed for life
- Secret Service Agent Timothy McCarthy – shot in the abdomen
- Police Officer Thomas Delahanty – shot in the neck
Miraculously, Reagan survived, famously joking to surgeons: “I hope you’re all Republicans.” But the injuries to Brady were catastrophic and permanent.
The Trial: Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
Hinckley’s 1982 trial became a landmark case. His defense team argued he was legally insane at the time of the shooting, suffering from schizophrenia and erotomania (delusional belief that someone loves you).
The jury agreed.
The verdict shocked America. Many felt he was “getting away with” attempted murder. In response, several states changed their insanity defense laws, making it much harder to use successfully.
Hinckley wasn’t freed, though. He was sent to St. Elizabeths Hospital, a psychiatric institution in Washington, D.C., where he would spend the next 34 years.
Life in St. Elizabeths Hospital: 34 Years of Treatment
Most articles gloss over this period, but it’s crucial to understanding Hinckley today.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
At St. Elizabeths, Hinckley received:
- Daily medication for schizophrenia and depression
- Individual psychotherapy sessions
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric evaluations every six months
- Monitored activities and supervised outings
Over time, doctors noted significant improvement. His delusions faded. He showed genuine remorse. He participated in art therapy, which sparked his interest in painting.
The Long Road to Release
Hinckley’s release didn’t happen overnight. It was gradual:
- 1999 – First allowed day visits with his parents
- 2003 – Permitted supervised overnight visits
- 2006 – Allowed visits of up to two weeks at a time
- 2013 – Permitted 17-day visits to his mother’s home
- 2016 – Full release with conditions (curfew, GPS monitoring, internet restrictions)
- 2022 – All restrictions lifted; complete freedom
Each step was controversial. Victims’ families protested. Media outlets questioned the decision. But psychiatrists consistently reported that Hinckley no longer posed a danger.
John Hinckley Jr Today: Music, Art, and a Quiet Life
So what does John Hinckley Jr do now in 2025?
Daily Life in Virginia
Hinckley lives alone in a modest apartment in Williamsburg, Virginia. His mother, Jo Ann Hinckley, passed away in 2021, leaving him truly independent for the first time in his adult life.
His daily routine is reportedly simple:
- Morning walks around his neighborhood
- Afternoons spent painting or writing music
- Evening time managing his YouTube channel and social media
- Regular visits to a therapist (voluntary, no longer required)
Neighbors describe him as quiet and polite. Most don’t recognize him—or at least pretend not to.
His Music Career
Music is clearly Hinckley’s passion. He plays guitar, writes original songs, and has developed a small but dedicated following online. His voice has been described as “haunting” and “surprisingly good” by music critics who’ve reviewed his work objectively.
Popular songs include:
- “Majesty of Love” (original)
- “Blowin’ in the Wind” (Dylan cover)
- “Everybody’s Talkin'” (original)
He’s attempted to book more live shows, but venues often cancel due to protests or public pressure. His 2022 Brooklyn show sold out—but half the tickets were purchased by protesters who simply wanted to boo him.
The Cat Painting Phenomenon
The John Hinckley cat painting series has become an internet curiosity. These whimsical, colorful portraits of cats are technically well-executed and oddly charming.
Why cats? Hinckley has never fully explained, but he mentions in interviews that he finds them calming. Some psychologists suggest the innocent subject matter represents his desire to move away from his dark past.
Prices for these paintings range from $300 to $3,000, depending on size and whether they’re sold through galleries or directly online.
Social Media Presence
Hinckley is surprisingly active on social media:
Twitter/X (@JohnHinckley20): 12,000+ followers
- Posts about music and current events
- Shares his art and upcoming projects
- Occasionally responds to critics and supporters
YouTube (John Hinckley): 15,000+ subscribers
- Weekly music uploads
- Live-streamed guitar sessions
- Behind-the-scenes videos of his creative process
Instagram (@johnhinckleymusic): 8,000+ followers
- Photos of his paintings
- Studio snapshots
- Rare personal photos
His social media strategy seems intentionally normal—he posts like any independent musician would. He never references the assassination attempt. He never mentions Reagan or Jodie Foster. He simply presents himself as an artist.
The Controversy: Should Hinckley Be Allowed to Profit?
This is the question that divides people.
Arguments FOR Allowing His Income:
1. He’s served his time – Hinckley spent 34 years in psychiatric care. The legal system determined he was insane, not criminally responsible. He’s been rehabilitated and released.
2. He’s not profiting from the crime itself – His income comes from original creative work, not from selling his crime story.
3. Mental health rehabilitation requires purpose – Having productive activities like music and art is therapeutic. Taking that away could be harmful.
4. Precedent matters – If we prevent all former criminals from earning money legally, we make reintegration impossible.
Arguments AGAINST Allowing His Income:
1. His fame comes from violence – Without the assassination attempt, nobody would care about his art or music. He’s indirectly profiting from infamy.
2. Victims’ families are still suffering – James Brady was disabled for life. His family believes Hinckley should never enjoy any form of success.
3. It sends a dangerous message – Allowing him to profit might inspire copycat crimes by people seeking attention and eventual freedom.
4. Public decency matters – Even if it’s legal, society should reject and refuse to support people who’ve committed such acts.
Where Do We Draw the Line?
This isn’t just about Hinckley. It’s about broader questions:
- Should convicted criminals ever be allowed to “start over”?
- Does rehabilitation mean complete reintegration, including financial success?
- Is buying art from a criminal the same as supporting them?
There are no easy answers. But understanding the nuances helps us think critically about justice, punishment, and forgiveness.
Comparing John Hinckley Jr Net Worth to Other Notorious Figures
How does Hinckley’s wealth compare to others with criminal pasts?
| Name | Crime | Estimated Net Worth | Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Hinckley Jr | Attempted assassination | $200,000-$300,000 | Music, art, YouTube |
| Charles Manson | Manson Family murders | $400,000 (at death) | Music rights, memorabilia |
| Mark David Chapman | Murdered John Lennon | Less than $5,000 | None (still imprisoned) |
| Ted Kaczynski | Unabomber attacks | Less than $10,000 | Writing (earnings seized) |
| Bernie Madoff | $65 billion Ponzi scheme | $0 (assets seized) | None (died in prison) |
Hinckley’s situation is unique because:
- He was found not guilty by reason of insanity (not convicted)
- He’s been fully released (unlike Chapman)
- His income comes from legitimate creative work (unlike Manson’s exploitation)
John Hinckley Jr’s Mental Health Journey
Understanding Hinckley’s mental health is essential to the full story.
Original Diagnosis
In the early 1980s, psychiatrists diagnosed Hinckley with:
- Schizophrenia – causing delusions and detachment from reality
- Narcissistic personality disorder – inflated sense of self-importance
- Erotomania – delusional belief that Jodie Foster loved him
These weren’t excuses—they were medical conditions that severely impaired his judgment.
Treatment and Recovery
Over 34 years, Hinckley received:
- Antipsychotic medications (including Haldol and Risperdal)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Art and music therapy
- Social skills training
By 2016, his psychiatrists testified that he showed no symptoms of schizophrenia, no delusions, and no violent tendencies. He had “achieved full remission.”
Current Mental Health (2025)
Today, Hinckley:
- Continues voluntary therapy
- No longer requires medication (according to 2023 interviews)
- Shows no signs of his previous delusions
- Expresses genuine remorse for his actions
Mental health experts point to his case as an example of successful psychiatric rehabilitation—though critics argue he should never have been freed regardless of recovery.
The Jodie Foster Connection: Does She Ever Think About Him?
Jodie Foster has addressed the Hinckley situation very few times publicly.
In a 1999 interview with Esquire magazine, she said: “It was a very personal experience to me. I felt like he had tried to kill me. I never wanted to see him. I never wanted to think about him again.”
She’s never blamed herself, but she’s also never forgiven Hinckley. Her career continued successfully—winning two Oscars and becoming a respected director—but the shadow of 1981 never fully disappeared.
Does Hinckley ever mention her? Not publicly. In interviews, he acknowledges his former obsession was “insane and wrong.” He expresses regret for “causing her distress.” But he doesn’t elaborate.
It’s a painful reminder that his actions affected multiple lives—not just the physical victims.
Where Does John Hinckley Jr Live? Inside His Virginia Life
Since his full release in 2022, Hinckley has lived quietly in Williamsburg, Virginia—a historic town known for Colonial Williamsburg tourism.
His Living Situation
- Residence: Small apartment (estimated rent: $1,200/month)
- Lifestyle: Simple, modest, low-profile
- Transportation: Drives an older model sedan
- Social life: Limited; few close friends
He’s not living lavishly. His estimated expenses:
- Rent: $14,400/year
- Food/groceries: $6,000/year
- Utilities and phone: $3,000/year
- Art supplies and music equipment: $4,000/year
- Transportation and gas: $3,000/year
- Therapy (voluntary): $2,400/year
- Miscellaneous: $3,200/year
Total annual expenses: ~$36,000
Given his income of $75,000-$130,000 annually, he likely saves or reinvests $40,000-$90,000 per year—which explains his current net worth accumulation.
Public Reaction: What Americans Think in 2025
Public opinion on Hinckley remains sharply divided:
Recent polls (2024) show:
- 42% believe he should never have been released
- 31% support his release but oppose him profiting
- 18% fully support his rehabilitation and freedom
- 9% are undecided
On social media, reactions to his music and art range from supportive to violently hostile. His YouTube videos often have comments disabled due to harassment.
Yet his subscriber count continues to grow. His art continues to sell. Clearly, there’s an audience—whether motivated by curiosity, fascination with true crime, or genuine appreciation for his work.
FAQs About John Hinckley Jr Net Worth and Life
1. What is John Hinckley Jr’s net worth in 2025?
John Hinckley Jr net worth is estimated between $200,000 and $300,000 in 2025, earned primarily through music sales, art, and his YouTube channel.
2. How does John Hinckley Jr make money?
He earns income from YouTube ad revenue ($15,000-$25,000/year), art sales including his famous cat paintings ($40,000-$60,000/year), music royalties ($10,000-$20,000/year), occasional media appearances ($5,000-$15,000/year), and social media donations ($5,000-$10,000/year).
3. Is it legal for John Hinckley Jr to profit from his work?
Yes. While Son of Sam laws prevent criminals from profiting from their crime stories, Hinckley creates original music and art unrelated to the assassination attempt, which is legally permitted.
4. Did John Hinckley Jr inherit money from his wealthy family?
While Hinckley’s father was a successful oil executive, John Hinckley Jr did not inherit millions. Most of his current net worth comes from his own post-release activities since 2016.
5. Where does John Hinckley Jr live now?
He lives independently in Williamsburg, Virginia, in a modest apartment. He’s been completely free without restrictions since June 2022.
6. Does John Hinckley Jr have a wife or girlfriend?
No, John Hinckley Jr has never been married and has no publicly known romantic relationships. He lives alone and maintains a private personal life.
7. What does John Hinckley Jr do now for a living?
He works as an independent musician and artist, creating original songs, painting (especially his popular cat painting series), managing his YouTube channel, and occasionally performing live concerts.
8. Can you buy John Hinckley Jr’s music or art?
Yes, his music is available on YouTube and platforms like Bandcamp. His paintings occasionally appear for sale online through art dealers or his social media channels.
9. What mental illness did John Hinckley Jr have?
He was diagnosed with schizophrenia, narcissistic personality disorder, and erotomania in the 1980s. After 34 years of treatment, doctors determined he achieved full remission and no longer shows symptoms.
10. Does Jodie Foster ever talk about John Hinckley Jr?
Rarely. Foster has addressed the situation only a few times, stating that the incident was deeply traumatic for her. She has never met Hinckley and has expressed no desire to do so.
Final Thoughts: Understanding John Hinckley Jr Net Worth and Legacy
John Hinckley Jr net worth of $200,000-$300,000 tells a complicated story. It’s not about wealth—it’s about rehabilitation, controversy, and whether society can ever truly forgive.
Here’s what we know for certain:
- His wealth is modest, built from creative work, not inheritance or crime exploitation
- He’s legally allowed to earn money through music and art
- Public opinion remains deeply divided on whether this is acceptable
- Victims’ families still suffer, and their pain should never be dismissed
- His case raises difficult questions about justice, mental health, and second chances
Whether you believe Hinckley deserves his freedom—and his income—likely depends on your views about mental illness, criminal justice, and redemption.
What’s undeniable is this: John Hinckley Jr’s story didn’t end in 1981. It continues today, awkwardly and uncomfortably, forcing us to confront questions we’d rather avoid.
Should a man who shot a president be allowed to live peacefully, create art, and make money?
The legal system says yes. The victims’ families say no. And America remains conflicted.
Whatever your opinion, understanding the facts—including the truth about John Hinckley Jr net worth—helps us think more clearly about these difficult issues.
His financial situation isn’t just about dollars. It’s about values, justice, and how we balance punishment with rehabilitation in a civilized society.
